TMC, DOT sign wellness tourism pact

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Medical City (TMC), the largest healthcare network in the country, is helping the Department of Tourism (DOT) leverage the agency’s goal of positioning the Philippines as a premier medical and wellness tourism destination in Asia.

TMC President Dr. Eugenio Jose Ramos and DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the launch of the “Discover Your Wellness” initiative in Taguig on Wednesday, July 17.

Ramos emphasized the importance of pooling talents and resources to build a more sustainable tourism model.

“We are tapping into the scale, power, and resources of the DOT and, on the one hand, the world-class expertise in health and wellness of the entire TMC enterprise,” he said.

Frasco noted that the private sector partnership is crucial to expanding tourism products and creating more job opportunities for economic growth.

“Together we will emphasize the advantages of choosing the Philippines for medical care where patients can expect world-class health care services complemented by our hospitality and beautiful landscapes. Tourism has always been a unifying force for good in our country,” she said.

With the signing of the MOA, TMC, through its flagship complex and four provincial hospitals, including one in Iloilo, will highlight the unique blend of modern medical services and traditional wellness practices available in the country.

In 2023, the Philippines recorded over 30,000 tourist arrivals for medical purposes, contributing an estimated 15 to 25 billion pesos in tourism receipts.

Recognizing this revenue, the DOT acknowledged the massive potential of medical tourism for the Philippines, which is currently valued globally at over $63 billion and is expected to reach over $207 billion by 2030.

Frasco stressed that the country is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled biodiversity.

“These diverse attractions provide the perfect backdrop for a medical tourism experience that goes beyond recovery and rejuvenation,” she said.

“Our visitors will have the advantage of immersing themselves in our culture, enjoying our culinary delights, and partaking in wellness activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” Frasco added.

“The synergy between our tourist attractions and medical services offers a holistic wellness journey unique to the Philippines,” she concluded.

In a press conference earlier this July, DOT-6 assistant regional director Phoebe Zelie C. Areño said their market development office, Department of Trade and Industry, and wellness associations from Manila inspected wellness tourism facilities in the region.

“We are encouraging our wellness and spa facilities to introduce or incorporate the Filipino hilot in their product offerings,” Areño said.